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Tasks B & C: Topic Conversations

28 marks combined - the biggest scoring opportunity in Paper 3

Task B3-3.5 minutes

Conversation on a topic chosen by the examiner (different from Task A).

What happens:

1Examiner announces the topic
2Examiner asks 5-7 open questions
3You respond naturally, developing your answers
4Examiner may use prompts: Pourquoi ? Autre chose ? C'est tout ?
Task C3-3.5 minutes

Conversation on a different topic (different from both Task A and Task B).

What happens:

1Examiner announces a new topic
2Same format as Task B
3Usually builds to an evaluation question (Dans quelle mesure...)
4This is where Grade 8/9 students really shine
Mark Breakdown: 28 marks

12

Communication & Content

How well you convey ideas and respond to questions

8

Interaction & Spontaneity

Natural conversation, not recited speeches

8

Linguistic Accuracy

Grammar, vocabulary range, pronunciation

The Three-Tense Framework

To score Grade 8/9, you MUST use at least three tenses naturally across Tasks B and C.

Spontaneity vs Memorised Speeches

8 marks are for Interaction & Spontaneity. This is where memorised speeches LOSE marks.

Examiners REWARD:

Responding naturally to questions you haven't prepared for
Developing answers beyond the minimum
Asking for clarification when needed
Self-correcting mistakes (shows awareness)
Varying your language rather than repeating phrases
Giving personal, authentic responses

Examiners PENALISE:

Reciting obviously memorised paragraphs
Answering a different question to the one asked
Using the same phrases repeatedly
Not responding to follow-up questions
Giving one-word or minimal answers
Sounding robotic or unnatural
How to Develop Your Answers

The 5-step answer formula:

1

State your opinion

2

Give a reason (parce que)

3

Give an example

4

Add contrast (cependant)

5

Conclude

Clarification Phrases

Use these to show natural interaction (earns marks!)

Self-Correction Phrases

Self-correcting shows awareness and earns marks